The Skin-Saving Product Every Twentysomething Needs

With everything you have going on in your life, rubbing your face with a makeup remover wipe before bed might seem like a major accomplishment. And even if you are more diligent about taking care of your skin (insert the applause emoji here), there's probably a key product missing from your routine: face serum.

Typically, infants and toddlers are granted the gentlest cleaners and lotions on the market, teens are bombarded with acne cures, and adults over 30 are presented with lu crèmes that promise an end to fine lines and wrinkles. But what's tailored to the twentysomethings out there? Serum, that's what.

While anti-aging serums have long been marketed toward women solidly in their 30s and older, adding one to the mix now could make a big difference later. There are even new ones on the market that cater specifically to the needs of those in their twenties. Origins just launched Origin Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb to address what they're calling "quarter-life skin" issues like large pores, dullness, and rough texture. And last summer, Elizabeth Arden debuted the Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide line for millennials with stressed-out skin. The collection includes a Caplet Serum with little rejuvenating beads that explode onto your face when you apply it.

So do you really need a face serum in your early twenties? Derms say that it can't hurt, but fear can hold some young women back from using them. "The most common misconception [this age group has] about serums is that they're not necessary or that they're potential pore-cloggers. That's not true," says Francesca Fusco, a New York City-based dermatologist. She recommends trying serums that contain antioxidants (vitamin C, green tea, and vitamin E fit the bill) to help fight damage from free radicals.

Serums may also be a good way to effectively target problems that are driving you nuts, like dark spots, extreme dryness, or irritation. "Serums are delivery systems—they are jam-packed with different ingredients designed to perform a specific function," says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC.

No matter what kind of serum you go with, be sure not to skip moisturizer. Layer the concentrate under your usual face cream or lotion. "Put a few drops in your palms and rub them together. Pat the product onto your cheeks, forehead and chin, and use your pinky fingers to tap it around your eye area," says Dr. Fusco. It may sound like an annoying extra step now, but you'll love the rewards (and all the compliments) you get later.